Sandpiper member artist Lorraine Cornelius

Lorraine Cornelius painting

I had always admired artists and artwork but never thought I had any artistic talent so didn't pursue it, besides being a mother and farm wife I didn't have time for a hobby. Then I went to Women's Week in Bozeman and took a watercolor class from the late Hazel Foley of Missoula, an excellent teacher and artist. I returned home and bought some art supplies. The teacher had said " you can do this" and since the children were raised and gone it seemed like a challenging hobby. Nancy Miller a friend and neighbor asked me to join her and we paint once a week in our homes. We do watercolor and some acrylics and critique each other's work. I joined the Sandpiper Gallery and took several workshops that were offered by talented artists. I have displayed work in the Sandpiper Gallery and The Red Poppy in Ronan and in Marie Arteries in Missoula and have sold paintings as well donated pieces or charity benefits and given paintings to friends and enjoy seeing them displayed in their homes.

I was born and raised in the Mission Valley. Graduated from Ronan High School and have been married to Lawrence Cornelius for fifty-five years and have five children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren all living in the northwest. Besides visiting the children we have enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, China and several Cruises.